British Prime Minister Tony Blair will fly to Russia this week for talks with President Vladimir Putin on the US-led campaign to stamp out international terrorism, Interfax quoted Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov as saying Wednesday.

Blair would be in Moscow on Thursday and Friday, the news agency said.

Separate press reports said Blair was also planning a whistle-stop tour to Oman and possibly Pakistan to shore up international support for reprisals against Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's ruling Taliban are accused of protecting Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden, who is accused by the United States of masterminding the September 11 attacks against Washington and New York.

Putin has offered Russian support for US efforts to target terrorist training camps linked to the September 11 attacks but has ruled out directly participating in any military action -- MOSCOW (AFP)